COUNCIL chiefs are to bid for funds to carry out the biggest ever traffic study in Halton and Merseyside to discover whether congestion charging is viable.

Halton is bidding for funding from the Transport Innovation Fund with local authorities in Merseyside.

To be granted funding, Halton must prove it has a significant current or emerging congestion problem.

The bid is for £550,000 which will be matched by Halton and the other councils to fund a two-year £1.1m investigation.

During the survey, congestion will be assessed across Merseyside, the levelling of tolling on the new Mersey Gateway and the existing Silver Jubilee Bridge will be examined and the impact of charging on Halton's deprived communities will be looked into.

The proposals were outlined in the council's new local transport plan.

It revealed: 'In the event that the Mersey Gateway is delayed or does not proceed, a congestion charge on the Silver Jubilee Bridge will be further considered in consultation with our neighbouring local authorities and the Highways Agency to assess the potential to reduce traffic movements across the Mersey.' However, the authors of the transport plan concede that introducing conges -tion charging would be very unpopular.

And it is feared any charges could lead to congestion elsewhere as motorists would use alternative routes to avoid paying to use the bridge during peak times.

The report adds: 'Significant amounts of through traffic could be expected to divert via Warrington and the M6 Thelwall Viaduct.

'There is a risk such a measure would exacerbate congestion in adjacent areas and on the motorway network.

'In addition, the emerging regenerated economy of Halton remains fragile and therefore is very susceptible to increases in journey costs.'

At present congestion charging only applies in central London. Drivers must pay £8 per day to enter the congestion charging area.

A Halton Borough Council spokesman said: 'We need to have a long-term plan. The appropriateness of a road user charge is something we would have to look into at that stage.

'The Government is encouraging local authorities to consider congestion charging to supplementing funding.'